A raised bed needs a stable planting medium with drainage and organic matter appropriate to the crop. The ideal mix varies by climate and ingredients.
How to plan it
- Measure the inside dimensions and fill height
- Compare screened soil and compost descriptions from local suppliers
- Test or observe the mix before filling every bed
Check before buying: Avoid treating an arbitrary compost percentage as a universal recipe.
Turn this into a quantity
Record your site measurements first. Then use a calculator with the depth, application rate, or coverage from the actual material specification.
Open topsoil calculatorSource and limits
University of Minnesota Extension: Soil testing for lawns and gardens. Local conditions and manufacturer guidance may call for different materials or installation details.